BY JENNA LANDMON
Paul is one of the most notable figures in the Bible after Jesus. Paul wrote 13 out of the 27 books of the New Testament, went on four missionary journeys, and visited nearly 50 cities preaching the truth of Jesus Christ. As one of the most influential spiritual figures, this impact would not have been able to take place without a divine transformation in his life.
Paul did not always walk with Jesus, rather he had a dark history. He was formerly known as Saul, a man whose primary goal was to gather, arrest, and kill Christians. In the same way as every person who walks the face of the Earth, Paul was once a sinner. Unlike many sins that have become normalized by society, Paul was a murderer, something deemed horrific by almost everyone. To make matters worse, he was specifically persecuting the followers of Jesus.
But, this past was not enough to define his future. God gave Paul a second chance, bringing him redemption. When he was on the road to Damascus, God appeared to him, giving him the opportunity to turn his life around and live a life that followed Jesus, bringing others to Christ as well.
I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. - Acts 26:16-18
Paul decided to take this opportunity to walk in his God-given destiny. If God was able to make this mighty transformation in the life of Paul, why do many forget to acknowledge the changes God can make in their own lives? Many have histories that do not reflect a Godly lifestyle. Many have done some things that seem irreparable. But God can redeem your life and give you a new purpose.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. - Isaiah 43:1
As we move into 2022, stop letting your past limit the impact that God wants to make through you. You have the chance to be born again, and God hopes to reclaim your life. Walk into this year with Godly confidence, proclaiming His truth in all that you do. Seek Him and ask what it is that He has called you to do. It’s time to walk into your calling!